Heather Sandlin - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers

Austen Shaw Appointed General Manager at Headlam Hall Hotel, 27 Years After Joining as Chef de Partie

🏨 Austen Shaw, previously a chef at Headlam Hall Hotel in England, is appointed general manager 27 years after joining the hotel. The hotel, a 38-bedroom Jacobean country house, was acquired by the Robinson family in 1977. Shaw, who became head chef in 2003, aims to integrate estate-grown produce into the hotel’s kitchens. His focus is on enhancing guest experiences and maintaining a personal touch, aligning with trends of promoting internal staff to leadership positions in the hospitality industry.

2 min

Marazion Hotel in Cornwall Sold to First-Time Buyers Sarah Grey and Yves Giebens for Undisclosed Sum

🏨 Marazion Hotel in Cornwall was sold for an undisclosed sum, with an initial asking price of £1.5 million. The hotel offers 11 en suite bedrooms, a restaurant, and a bar, drawing nearly 350,000 visitors annually to the coastal town. Owned by the same family since 1982, it's now run by first-time buyers Sarah Grey and Yves Giebens. The hotel boasts an AA 4 Star Gold Inn rating and various accolades, enhancing its appeal.

Kitchen under renovation with plastic sheeting over cabinets and appliances, and a metal step ladder in the center.

2 min

St. James’ Court Hotel in Westminster Completes Multi-Year Renovation, Adding New Bar and Expanded Club Facilities

Here is the blog post excerpt with the requested format: 🏨 St. James’ Court hotel, Westminster, completed its multi-year transformation, updating the ground and first floors with Conran and Partners' design work. Additions include 1897 – The Bar, whisky and cigar lounges, and expanded private members’ club Taj The Chambers. The renovation enhances London’s luxury hotel landscape, echoing industry trends like Trafalgar St. James' £6 million renovation and Sofitel London St James' suite refurbishments in 2025.

The Cumberland Hotel in Marble Arch Appoints Four New Managers to Strengthen Leadership Team in Key Departments

🏨 The Cumberland Hotel in Marble Arch appointed four new managers: Cristian Miu as bar manager, Thomas Chakalamattathu as restaurant manager, Ancuta Ababei as director of rooms, and Balin Sondh as sales manager. These appointments aim to enhance the guest experience. Miu and Chakalamattathu bring prior experience from prestigious hotels, while Ababei and Sondh strengthen operational and commercial strategies. The hotel, led by Pedro Da Silva since January 2025, continues its strategic enhancements, including the upcoming launch of Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen in March 2026.

Wooden deck surrounds a swimming pool with a shade sail and desert landscape in the distance under a clear blue sky

1 min

Marriott Introduces Day Use Rooms in London Hotels to Cater to Hybrid Workers and Daytime Travelers

🏨 London Marriott hotels now offer day use rooms without overnight stays, catering to hybrid workers, commuters, and daytime visitors seeking a quiet space. Available at London Marriott Hotel County Hall, Maida Vale, and Regent’s Park, these rooms provide guest access, desk space, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. This initiative aims to optimize occupancy, generating additional revenue by tapping into new guest segments, as explained by Anne Legrand, area general manager for Central London Hotels.

Safestay Reports 10.4% Revenue Decline to £20.6m in 2025, Losses Widen Amid Challenging European Markets

💸 Safestay reported a decrease in revenue to £20.6m for the year ending December 31, 2025, down from £23m in 2024. UK revenue fell by 6% to £8.5m, and overseas revenue dropped 13.5% to £12.1m. Total bed nights decreased by 6% to 877,674. The company expanded to 22 properties in 2025, selling two freehold sites but adding three hostels in Italy and Austria. Occupancy fell to 70%, with revenue per bed at £16.43.

Vine Hotels Acquires The Gables Hotel Near Bristol in Joint Venture with Castlewood Hotels

🏨 Vine Hotels, in partnership with Castlewood Hotels, acquired The Gables Hotel in South Gloucestershire from Webb Hotel Group for an undisclosed sum. The 46-bedroom hotel, located off the A38 near Bristol, features 104 parking spaces, meeting rooms for up to 200 delegates, and an 80-seat restaurant. This acquisition, following the addition of Hotel Collingwood in Bournemouth, highlights Vine Hotels' expansion goals. Webb Hotel Group retains properties in the Midlands, including Moor Hall Hotel in Sutton Coldfield.

2 min

Zeal Hotels Appoints Zibi Klapsia as Executive Chef at Voco Zeal Exeter, IHG 2025 Opening of the Year

🍳 Zeal Hotels appointed Zibi Klapsia as executive chef at Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, recognized as IHG Hotels' 2025 opening of the year. Klapsia, formerly of Accor and South West venues like Gidleigh Park, will focus on lifecycle net-zero carbon strategies. Zeal plans to expand sustainable hotels across the UK. Klapsia emphasizes fresh, local ingredients, particularly seafood, and aims to create memorable dining experiences highlighting sustainability and exceptional hospitality.

Elegant Hotel Collection Rebrands as Elegant Hotels of the World, Adds Seven Properties in UK and Asia-Pacific

🏨 Elegant Hotel Collection rebranded as Elegant Hotels of the World, adding seven independent hotels across the UK and Asia-Pacific. Locations include The Lakes by YOO in Cotswolds, Foxhills in Surrey, and three London sites: The Zetter Bloomsbury, Fulham Pier Hotel, and Bertrand’s Townhouse. Additional sites are Tanah Gajah in Bali and TreeHouse Villas Koh Yao in Thailand. A new five-star tier, Masterpiece, was launched, alongside a website for curated collections and guides. HotelREZ manages the broader portfolio.

1 min

Fairmont St Andrews Appoints Kristian Campbell as New General Manager for 25th Anniversary Year

🏨 Kristian Campbell is the new general manager at Fairmont St Andrews, a 520-acre resort in Scotland, as it approaches its 25th anniversary. Previously from Elanic Medical and Crieff Hydro Resort, Campbell aims to boost operational excellence, commercial growth, and local partnerships. The resort, featuring golf courses, dining, and a wellness center, is set to celebrate its history and community while evolving for future success.

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